The Perfectly Zesty Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

The art of baking is steeped in history and tradition, with each culture adding a unique flavor to the global mix. In Southern United States, one such baking tradition is the unassuming, but supremely versatile pound cake. Our recipe for a Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze is not just a dessert, but a journey through time, an ode to the age-old Southern baking customs.

The lemon pound cake is named so because of its original recipe: a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Simple, yet rich and hearty, this cake was born in the 18th century and has had quite an evolution since. Our version brings in the sunny, bright and invigorating zest of lemons, a perfect treat for a hot summer day, or to add color to a cold, winter evening.

Let’s dive into the process of baking this delicious lemon pound cake, combining the charm of the past with the flavors of the present.

Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

– 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups (250-350grams) granulated sugar(your taste)
– 4 large eggs
– 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda
– 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
– 1 cup (240 mL) buttermilk/or yogurt

– Zest of 2 lemons
– Juice of 2 lemons (about 80 mL)

For the Lemon Glaze:

– 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar
– 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 mL) fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Recipe

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or prepare it with a baking spray that contains flour. This crucial step helps the cake release easily from the pan after baking.

Step 2: Mixing the butter and sugar

Cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This aeration process is essential as it gives your cake a fine crumb and a lighter texture.

Step 3: Adding the eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow addition helps keep the batter emulsified, leading to a more cohesive mix and a better cake texture.

Step 4: Dry ingredients and buttermilk
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then alternately add these dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. This alternating method ensures the ingredients blend smoothly into the batter without overmixing.

Step 5: Adding the Lemon
The star ingredient, the lemon, comes into play now. Stir in the zest and juice from two lemons. The citrus not only adds a zesty punch but also interacts with the baking soda, making the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 60-75 minutes. Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake in the final baking stages.

Step 7: Preparing the Lemon Glaze
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add more juice if the glaze is too thick. The optional zest gives an extra tanginess to your glaze.

Step 8: Glazing the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before you start slicing the cake.

The history of the lemon pound cake and the inclusion of zesty lemon come together in this recipe to give you a dessert that is both classic and refreshing. This cake is not just a delicious treat, but a nod to tradition and a celebration of how far the culinary world has come. From the old-world charm of a basic pound cake to a tangy, lemon-infused delight, this Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze offers a taste of history with every bite.

Our recipe maintains the richness of the traditional pound cake while introducing the sharpness of lemon, creating a delicate balance between the two. So, whether you are a novice baker looking to delve into the culinary world’s history or an expert seeking a quick dessert, this recipe is perfect. And for those who crave a little nostalgia, each slice of this cake is sure to transport you back to simpler times, providing not just a gastronomic experience, but also a cultural and historical one.

Don’t wait anymore, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and start creating your zesty, rich, and flavorful Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze, a cake that will make history in your family gatherings and friendly get-togethers. Happy Baking!